Train driver kills himself over delay

The train was only 50 seconds late, but for its driver the shame was too much to bear.

The 44-year-old hanged himself after being ordered to attend retraining classes for a month following the delay, which was not even his fault.

The train's Automatic Train Stop signal had been activated as he was about to drive out of the station in Kyoto, and he had to wait for a brief inspection.

A week later the driver went on sick leave and was found hanged at his home the following day. His employer, the West Japan Railway Company, denies liability.

Relatives, who are seeking compensation, claim the train company's reaction drove him to despair.